I see pre amps advertised in audio magazines, but have never bought one. Don't know under what circumstances you need one.
2006-10-02 10:55:47 · 2 answers · asked by Ray T 1 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Other - Electronics
A preamplifiers takes a very small signal and increases it to a line level voltage, this is needed to get the amplifier to drive it's output to a suitable listening level.
Without the preamp, the amplifier will not amplifiy the incoming signal properly.
2006-10-02 11:03:51 · answer #1 · answered by stratsandlespauls 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A pre-amp is indeed for very small-signal devices. Your average amp is designed to work with standard line-in voltage signals, such as those coming from a CD player or VCR. However, some signals are much smaller, usually from record turntables that play vinyl records, or musical instruments like an electric guitar. The pre-amp brings these tiny signals up to line-in strength, and can then be fed into your regular amp and played through your speakers.
2006-10-02 18:51:13 · answer #2 · answered by Electro-Fogey 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋